Submit Your Resolutions for the 2026 Synod Assembly by April 27

As preparations continue for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, individuals and groups who wish to bring forward resolutions for consideration by the assembly are invited to begin preparing their submissions now.

Resolutions must be submitted by the close of business on Monday, April 27, 2026. All submissions should be sent electronically as an editable file (such as Microsoft Word) to Kathye Hamm, chair of the Synod Assembly Planning Team, at khamm@gcsynod.org.

Resolutions are formal written motions presented to the synod assembly for consideration. Because they shape the work and witness of the church, each resolution must follow several important guidelines. Specifically, all submissions must comply with:

  • The Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of both the Grand Canyon Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

  • Parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order

  • The specific rules and agenda of the synod assembly

Before the assembly, all resolutions are reviewed by the Reference and Counsel Committee. This review process ensures that each submission follows the required guidelines and provides an opportunity for sponsors to make any necessary corrections. The goal is to help ensure that resolutions are clear, properly formatted, and distributed to voting members in advance of the assembly.

The committee will confirm receipt of each resolution and communicate directly with sponsors if questions or procedural concerns arise during the review process.

The final report of the Reference and Counsel Committee will be posted on the synod website by Friday, May 22, 2026. This report will include all submitted resolutions along with the committee’s recommendations for the assembly’s consideration.

It is important to note that inclusion in the pre-assembly report does not guarantee discussion or a vote during the assembly. The final agenda and assembly rules determine the time available for debate and action.

Synod assemblies are one of the ways the church listens for the movement of the Spirit together. Through resolutions and memorials, voting members help guide the shared ministry and witness of the Grand Canyon Synod and the wider church.

If you are considering bringing a resolution forward, now is the time to begin preparing your submission.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment